AN artist from Burnley who has sold work to celebrities including Madonna is gearing up for his debut solo exhibition.

Alex Daw, 27, will present his ‘Cut Out and Keep’ show at The Cole Building in London later this month.

The artist has already seen his work displayed in the National Gallery in London and sold pieces to Bob Dylan and Playboy chief Hugh Hefner.

But the former Habergham High School and Burnley College student admitted he was ‘nervous’ about his first solo showing.

Two years ago, Alex, whose mum lives in Applecross Drive, moved to London to study at the prestigious Chelsea School of Art after he gained a first class fine art degree from the University of Central Lancashire.

The former Brunshaw Primary School pupil said he then ‘fell into’ a job as a glamour photographer, taking pictures of aspiring models.

His experiences have helped shaped his work which he said ‘taps into’ fragments of pop culture, fashion and art history.

A number of his exhibits feature cut up magazines, paintings on canvas and glass pieces.

In the build up to the exhibition, the gallery window has been a working studio, giving passers-by an insight into Alex’s creative process.

He said: “I am dead nervous as I came up with the daft idea to turn the gallery window, which is passed by tens of thousands of people a day, into a working studio space.

“I hate any attention or people watching me work, but it's all good publicity I guess.

“I have worked so hard for this opportunity and have to grab it with both hands.”

The exhibition will be the first of its kind at the gallery.

When the exhibition ends Alex plans to embark on a touring street art exhibition, which will involve a tour bus of artists visiting various locations around Europe.

His work will also be included in a group show in London called 'The Beautiful and the Damned’.

He said: “I just want to be able to create artwork that is accessible and exciting.

“I am on the cusp of being able to survive from my art, which in today’s economic climate isn't bad going.”

The exhibition will run at the gallery from Thursday November 26 to Sunday November 29. All enquiries regards the exhibition and for artwork availability contact Hang-Up Pictures www.hanguppictures.com.